George A. Hopkins, James Hopkins’ father, earned the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross in World War I. James Hopkins served as a P-40 and P-47 fighter pilot during World War II, and left active duty to become a member of the Air Force Reserves when the war ended. He was recalled to active duty and flew 100 air missions during the Korean War, and subsequently served in Vietnam as well, where he earned the Air Force Cross. He retired as a U.S. Air Force Colonel on May 31, 1974.
Sponsored by:
James
Richard
Hopkins
December 21, 1923
–
May 10, 2010
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 10, 1970 – June 24, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, then Commander, Pacific Islands Air Defense Region and 326th Air Division, and as Air Force Component Commander, Joint Task Force 119, Kunia Facility, Hawaii, from 10 June 1970 to 24 June 1973. During this period, Colonel Hopkins’ outstanding achievements and leadership resulted in the complete integration of all air defense capable resources of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air National Guard, and Air Force into a single, cohesive fighting unit. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Hopkins reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 22 June 1966. On that date, Colonel Hopkins was the leader of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned to destroy a vital and well-defended vehicle maintenance and storage complex located only one half mile from one of the largest industrial sites in North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather, heavy and intense anti-aircraft fire, and the presence of opposing aircraft, he led his flight to the total destruction of this target thereby seriously hampering the opposing forces’ ability to transport much needed troops and military supplies to South Vietnam. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Hopkins reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Pilot over North Vietnam on 31 May 1966. On that date, Colonel Hopkins was the leader of a flight of F-105’s assigned to destroy an extremely vital and heavily defended military storage complex located on the main railroad line from Red China to Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, and the ever present threat from several SA-2 missile installations, he led his flight to the total destruction of his assigned area. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Hopkins reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
16th Fighter Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
51st Fighter Interceptor GroupAction Date:
November 1, 1950
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a member of the 16th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter Interceptor Group. Captain Hopkins performed an act of extraordinary achievement as wing man flying Number Two position in “Red” Flight of a thirteen F-80 aircraft formation in an airfield strike on Sinuijuu Airfield, North Korea, on 1 November 1950. In the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire of both light and heavy caliber, Captain Hopkins unhesitatingly made repeated attacks with great skill and daring on gun positions and enemy aircraft on the ground. Despite most effective concealment, Captain Hopkins sought out and attacked gun positions and enemy aircraft on the ground. With a high degree of performance in which Captain Hopkins conducted his assignment he contributed greatly to the successful completion of the mission which destroyed five and damaged three enemy aircraft plus two gun positions. Through his daring, skill, devotion to duty and desire to serve the Air Force, Captain Hopkins has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
469 Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
June 29, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Lieutenant Colonel James Richard Hopkins (AFSN: 0-37029A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Commanding Officer, 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 29 June 1966. On that date, Colonel Hopkins was Mission Commander of a large strike force of F-105 Thunderchiefs tasked with destroying a large petroleum, oil, and lubricant storage area at Hanoi, North Vietnam. Despite adverse weather and the most intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire ever encountered over North Vietnam, including deadly surface-to-air missiles, he led his force in totally destroying this vital military target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.